Impact of pre-cooling and modified atmosphere packaging on storability of pomegranate (Punica granatum cv. Hicaznar) fruit

This study is carried out in 2013 crop year to assess the impact of pre-cooling and modified atmosphere (MA) packaging on quality changes and pathological and physiological losses. Pomegranate fruit were harvested at full maturity and packed in two different modified atmosphere packages. The packages were closed with clips after pre-cooling at different temperatures (6°C, 10°C and 14°C). Pomegranate fruit were stored at 6±0.5oC temperatures and 90% relative humidity conditions for 5 months. Quality changes and losses were examined at the initial stage and after 3, 4 and 5 months of storage. The weight loss in MA2 package was significantly higher than those in MA1 package during storage. After 5 months of storage, the rot rate results were higher for fruit in MA1 compared to those in MA2. On the other hand, sensory quality score of pomegranate fruit at the end of storage period was lower in MA2. Tested MA packages revealed similar results under different pre-cooling temperatures in respect to in-package atmospheric composition and total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index, pH, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the fruit. The MA packages exerted limited effect on the skin and aril colors of fruit. MA packages were determinant on weight loss, rot development and sensory quality of fruit. The results prove that it is important to select proper MA packages according to the storage duration and pre-cooling conditions to be applied. Key words: Pomegranate, MA packages, Pre-cooling, Quality, Storage.